Living in one of the biggest school districts on Long Island, with about 12 different elementary schools, everything always had to be done by the same standards. So every year the whole district would have to take part in the GATE test, which stood for the Gifted and Talented Education program. It was very similar to an IQ test. Basically if a student scored above a certain grade, they would be offered admission into the program. It was an incentive for kids to take tests seriously and be rewarded in return.
I didn’t really like any of the kids in the program the years before, so I never tried. I never cared enough about getting into the program and frankly I didn't care too much about school either. I did okay in my classes but put in absolutely zero effort, I was one of those kids who never had to do any work and would still get in the high 80’s to low 90’s. I knew I didn’t need to do my work and I took advantage of it. My parents would always yell at me and tell me things weren’t always going to be this easy, but clearly I didn’t care or believe them whatsoever.
But, one year that changed. My absolute best friend at the time got into the program and all she did was tell me about all the great things she did and all the new friends she was making. Supposedly they played games all the time and always got to talk in the class. So, the next year I was determined to take that test and get in and have as great a time as my friends were having.
The next year I actually paid attention to what I was doing and concentrated on my work. After working really hard and actually putting the necessary effort into my schoolwork, I managed to get in, and it was probably one of the best experiences. Not because I got into the program, but because I learned that if I just put some effort into my work I could actually be in the top of my class and considered one of the smart kids! I could go from average grades to great grades, and understand everything enough to help my peers. If there's anything that has helped me grow as a student and learn that I have a ridiculous amount of potential, it was that program.
Living in one of the biggest school districts on Long Island, with about 12 different elementary schools, everything always had to be done by the same standards. So every year the whole district would have to take part in the GATE test, which stood for the Gifted and Talented Education program. It was very similar to an IQ test. Basically if a student scored above a certain grade, they would be offered admission into the program. It was an incentive for kids to take tests seriously and be rewarded in return.
I didn’t really like any of the kids in the program the years before, so I never tried. I never cared enough about getting into the program and frankly I didn't care too much about school either. I did okay in my classes but put in absolutely zero effort, I was one of those kids who never had to do any work and would still get in the high 80’s to low 90’s. I knew I didn’t need to do my work and I took advantage of it. My parents would always yell at me and tell me things weren’t always going to be this easy, but clearly I didn’t care or believe them whatsoever.
But, one year that changed. My absolute best friend at the time got into the program and all she did was tell me about all the great things she did and all the new friends she was making. Supposedly they played games all the time and always got to talk in the class. So, the next year I was determined to take that test and get in and have as great a time as my friends were having.
The next year I actually paid attention to what I was doing and concentrated on my work. After working really hard and actually putting the necessary effort into my schoolwork, I managed to get in, and it was probably one of the best experiences. Not because I got into the program, but because I learned that if I just put some effort into my work I could actually be in the top of my class and considered one of the smart kids! I could go from average grades to great grades, and understand everything enough to help my peers. If there's anything that has helped me grow as a student and learn that I have a ridiculous amount of potential, it was that program.